AN online auction has raised £2,500 for two long-established Lake District charities.

Friends of the Lake District and Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team joined forces to host the auction which included several unique lots.

Friends of the Lake District are providing a lasting legacy for one successful bidder by planting a landscape tree in Mike’s Wood - one of a number owned and managed by the charity - overlooking the village of Staveley in the national park.

Another top bidder will received a VIP tour Patterdale MRT’s base next year, providing a detailed insight into the work of one of the Lake District’s busiest mountain rescue teams.

Running throughout November, the Life of a Mountain Auction was supported and promoted by Terry Abraham, following the launch of his film, Life of a Mountain: Helvellyn.

Vanessa Rhoden, of Friends of the Lake District, said: “We’re delighted with the outcome of the auction and as always, humbled that in such a difficult year for everybody, people still have the capacity and generosity to take the time to support us in this way.”

The money raised will help to fund the charity’s Sanctuary Project in 2021, which aims to give frontline workers and emergency service personnel recuperation and mental restoration using nature to rebuild their resilience to cope with the demands in these unprecedented times.

Chris Sanderson, chairman of Patterdale MRT, thanked those who took part. He said: “The money raised from the auction contributed to our successful New Land Rover Defender Appeal and we are immensely grateful to Terry Abraham, to the other prize donors, and to everyone who placed bids.

“The response to the opportunity to secure a VIP tour of our base was tremendous and we’re working on plans to make sure it is a very special day.”

The highest bids were selected at the end of November and all proceeds have been split between the charities.